Cameroon Beats Ghana to Reach Women's Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Finals

Cameroon secured a 1-0 victory over Ghana on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, becoming the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Mali defeated tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2, eliminating the islanders from the competition.

Marie Ngah Manga Secures Cameroon’s Quarter-Final Spot Against Ghana

The 23-year-old forward converted from the spot after a lengthy VAR review that ruled Ghanaian defender Benedicte Simon had handled the ball inside the box.

The decision proved controversial as big-screen replays suggested Simon was not guilty of a handball offence. Ngah Manga calmly sent goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Fiindib the wrong way to score her third goal of the tournament, following her opening brace against Mali.

Ghana’s Tactical Adjustments Fall Short Against Resolute Defense

Ghana entered the fixture after a strong opening victory against Cape Verde, and head coach Kim Lars Björkegren acknowledged the step up in competition, noting that playing against Cameroon was one level up from their group opener.

Cameroon Beats Ghana to Reach Women's Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Finals — Photo: ewn.co.za

Trailing at the interval, Björkegren introduced Evelyn Badu in midfield to inject attacking energy. The Black Queens pushed for an equaliser in the second period, with captain Portia Boakye and Badu both missing presentable scoring opportunities.

Ghana briefly celebrated an equalizer in the 78th minute when Badu put the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Cameroon’s organization held firm through stoppage time, sealing a clean sheet and guaranteeing the Indomitable Lionesses a top-two finish regardless of their final group match.

Mali Edges Cape Verde in Five-Goal Thriller to Eliminate Debutants

In the group’s other encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Mali revived their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. Oumou Koné opened the scoring for Mali in the 29th minute before Eveline Nadine Pereira Varela leveled for Cape Verde just before halftime.

Mali pulled ahead after the break with goals from Fatoumata Niakaté and 40-year-old Fatoumata Diarra. Alivia Kelly struck a late goal for Cape Verde in the 88th minute to create a frantic finish, but Mali held on for the win.

The result leaves Cape Verde with zero points from two matches, making them the first team eliminated from the tournament. Despite the early exit, reaching the continental stage stands as a historic milestone for the island nation following a qualification run that featured a memorable comeback against Mali.

Group D Showdown Set for Thursday as Quarter-Final Places Take Shape

With Cameroon advancing on six points, Ghana and Mali sit level on three points apiece ahead of their decisive meeting on Thursday, August 6. That match in Casablanca will serve as a direct head-to-head battle for the second automatic quarter-final berth from Group D.